The RV Industry Association has posted its final report of 2024 wholesale shipments from factory to dealers. The outfit is quick to crow that the year saw a better than 6% increase in the number of rigs wholesaled than in 2023. But the devil is in the details. For RV manufacturers relying on motorhomes to make their “bread and butter,” 2024 was a bust. The RV industry finishes 2024 on a very mixed note. Let’s look at the numbers.
RV industry finishes 2024—motorhome manufacturers sigh
“Results from the RV Industry Association’s December 2024 survey of manufacturers show a 6.6% increase in total RV shipments for the year, reaching 333,733 units. This positive trend is highlighted by a 7.6% rise in December 2024 shipments with 23,153 units shipped compared to the 21,522 units shipped in the same period in 2023.
“Towable RVs, particularly conventional travel trailers, demonstrated strong performance with an 11.4% increase in December shipments compared to the previous year, totaling 20,814 units.” Ah, but read between the lines. Fifth wheels in December actually lost 7.5%, and when measured in full-year increases, only came up a half-percent.
At the same time, “motorhomes experienced a 17.7% decline in December, with 2,339 units shipped.” For December movement, Class A units lost 17.2%. Class C motorhomes dropped 19.0%. And Class B campervans sank 14.7%. For the year, Class A’s were down 31.6; Class C’s lost 17.8%, and Class B units sank 30.0%.
And here’s the spin
And for industry spin on how the RV industry finishes 2024? “Despite challenges, the RV industry showed resilience and an upward trajectory in 2024, AND continued to demonstrate its BROAD appeal to consumers,” said RV Industry Association President and CEO Craig Kirby. “These modest gains provide a solid foundation to build upon, and we are confident that with continued innovation and dedication to customer satisfaction, the RV industry will see even greater success in 2025.”
RVs have a “broad appeal to consumers.” Right-oh, provided you’re only shopping for a travel trailer.
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Thank you for the information, Russ and Tina! When you reached the section entitled, “And here’s the spin,” I could only think of the “Great Oz” being unmasked and his command to ignore the man that Toto found behind the curtain (https://youtu.be/YWyCCJ6B2WE?feature=shared). 😉 Have a great day and safe travels!